NOOSED - MISERY

Wasting no time, NOOSED sets the tone with the 46-second opener 'This Country'. Heavy, foreboding chords collide with a thick, grinding bass, while a stark declaration-"I hate this fucking country"-cuts through with directness, leaving no doubt about the band’s intent. Picking up the pace, 'Drag Them Out' channels raw crust punk aggression from the first note. The track is anchored by a thick, grinding bassline that dominates the mix, while harsh, throaty vocals and driving, almost militaristic drumming push it forward with relentless force 'Fuck The Church' sticks to the formula-simple but effective drumming paired with the same grinding, slightly distorted bassline that runs through the album. It lands as a direct punch at the self-proclaimed guardians of morality, driven by sharp, cleverly arranged guitar lines that cut through the weight with purpose. With 'Fallout', the band leans into a slower, more oppressive groove, letting the weight of the track fully sink in. The barking, aggressive vocals cut through the mix with purpose, fitting seamlessly into the overall sonic assault. A noisy passage midway may seem chaotic at first, but it ultimately finds its place within the structure-held together by steady cymbal work. The track closes on a strong note, with the guitars locking into a memorable melodic groove that adds an unexpected layer of depth.

'Floating Coffins' picks up the pace, delivering a more fast-paced attack driven by sharp, chugging guitar melodies. One of the consistent strengths of "Misery" is the spitting, rasping vocal delivery, which feels even more primal and unhinged here. The bass and drums take a leading role in the mix, pushing the track forward with force, yet without overshadowing the guitars or vocals. Everything remains tightly balanced within the overall chaos. The title track 'Misery' opens unconventionally with a drum solo before dropping straight into the established framework of grinding bass and relentless guitar work. This time, however, the vocals enter almost as a whisper, slowly emerging from the mix before erupting again into familiar barking screams-an approach that feels especially effective here. A short spoken-word passage further enhances the composition, adding an atmospheric layer that fits seamlessly into the track’s oppressive flow. The album comes to a close with 'No Return', opening on devastating, soul-crushing heaviness that immediately sets a bleak and oppressive tone. A spoken-word passage establishes a dark, sinister atmosphere, framing the track’s descent into a harrowing narrative of drug abuse and addiction. Crushing instrumentation underscores this desolate storytelling, while the vocals appear only sparingly-each entrance placed with deliberate impact. As a finale, it feels absolute and unsettling, leaving a lingering sense of unease that fits the material perfectly.

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"Misery" is a raw, uncompromising statement of intent that thrives on intensity, atmosphere, and emotional weight. NOOSED successfully translates anger and disillusion into a dense blend of crust punk, sludge, and hardcore, creating a record that feels as bleak as its lyrical themes suggest. While not every passage lands with equal force, the overall impact is undeniable-driven by conviction rather than polish. It’s an exhausting, confrontational listen, but that’s exactly where its strength lies.

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SCORE 8/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY

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